The hustle and bustle of the 'back to school' season has already gone and passed as midterms are beginning to loom in the not-to-distant future. You're already light-headed with anticipation for the festivities to come with Halloween and the relaxation of Thanksgiving break. As the weather becomes cooler, you also realize that you are sorely in need of winter boots with as much traction and water-proof quality to brave Alaskan territory, heavier sweaters and coats, and those wool long Johns that will keep you warm in the infamous Northeast winters.

You have two main options. On 270 Loudon Road, Steeplegate Mall has over 75 specialty shops and department stores and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM. It's worth at least one visit during your three year tenure in Concord. I recommend going in between classes during the weekdays to attempt to avoid the pre-teen mall rats that seem to be in larger packs than usual at Steeplegate particularly during evening hours and weekends.

If Steeplegate doesn't do enough for you, just 30 minutes away driving is the Tanger Outlet Mall in Tilton where you'll find a wider selection of shops in diversity and in number. Tanger is another small shopping area that looks almost like a strip mall if you're looking for it for the first time but it does provide for a relaxing break from studying on a Saturday afternoon even if you're window shopping.

Grab a friend this weekend to treat yourself, and splurge on the winter essentials that will come in handy sooner than you think.